After the match, Marz found himself engulfed in a tumult of emotions swirling within him like a tempest. Rather than joining his exuberant teammates in their wild celebration, he made the choice to seek refuge in the comforting embrace of his home. As he crossed the threshold and stepped through the front door, a familiar stillness washed over him, sharp and profound, emphasizing the absence of his parents who had embarked on an overseas adventure. They had thoughtfully left him a tidy sum of money to see him through their absence, a small gesture that felt warm yet bittersweet in the quiet solitude of the house.
However, it wasn't just the emptiness of the home that drew his attention. On the dinner table, a single white envelope lay waiting, starkly contrasting against the polished grains of the wood. Intrigued, Marz approached the table, the coolness of the surface grazing his fingertips. The envelope felt substantial in his hands, compelling him to discover its secrets. With a quick flick of his wrist, he tore the flap open, the sound sharp in the silence, and unfolded the letter inside.
To his astonishment, the letter was no ordinary correspondence; it was an invitation from the esteemed Japanese Football Association, beckoning him to a prestigious football camp. The mere thought of training alongside legendary strikers ignited a flame of excitement within him. His heart raced at the envisioning of honing his skills and reigniting his fervor for the game among such elite company. This invitation felt like a vibrant spark in the grey monotony that had cloaked his life lately, breathing new life and purpose into his aspirations. With determination blossoming in his chest, he resolved to attend the camp, eager to immerse himself in an environment that promised to challenge and inspire him like never before.
[Timeskip]
The following day, as morning light spilled across the horizon, Marz arrived at the location specified in the letter. He looked up, squinting against the brightness, and beheld a striking building towering before him. To the side, a sign swayed gently in the breeze, proclaiming "Japan Football Union." A grin spread across his face, the corners lifting in anticipation. "I guess this is the right place," he mused aloud, excitement bubbling within him. "It's time for some fun," he added, his voice brimming with enthusiasm as he stepped forward, ready to embrace whatever adventures awaited him.
As he crossed the threshold into the building, the air buzzed with anticipation. He wandered through the bright halls until he found the room where he was meant to enter.
Upon pushing the door open, his eyes widened at the scene before him. The room was alive with energy, filled with many players—some familiar faces he had admired from afar during games. He quickly realized he was not the only newcomer; two other players trailed in behind him. One, with striking blond hair, was instantly recognizable as Ryosuke Kira, affectionately dubbed "The Gem of Japanese Football." Although Marz had his doubts about that title, believing his own potential shone just as bright, he kept his thoughts to himself.
Just as he was about to scan the room and take in the other players, a man stepped out from a doorway onto the small stage, ready to command their attention and set the stage for what lay ahead.